Brandon McManus hasn’t been a Green Bay Packer for long, but he’s already made his mark. Just days after signing with the team, the veteran kicker drilled a game-winning 45-yard field goal as time expired, clinching a 24-22 win against the Houston Texans on Sunday. It was a thrilling debut for McManus, and his teammates couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome.
Green Bay’s new kicker might still be learning the finer details—like how to perform the iconic Lambeau Leap—but when it comes to delivering under pressure, McManus is as reliable as ever.
A Veteran’s Touch
McManus hadn’t kicked in a game since the end of last season, but the Packers signed him last Wednesday after releasing rookie Brayden Narveson, who struggled with five missed field goals in the first six games of the season. McManus immediately proved his value, showing the difference between an experienced, Super Bowl-winning kicker and a rookie still finding his footing.
- McManus’ game-winning kick came after a last-second timeout by the Texans to ice him.
- Despite the timeout, McManus calmly made the kick on his second attempt.
- His first official kick for the Packers was as clutch as it gets.
“Obviously, he’s kicked in big-time moments, so he doesn’t get flustered,” Packers safety Xavier McKinney said. “This ain’t the Super Bowl, but he doesn’t feel all that pressure.”
McManus’ composure under pressure comes from years of experience. Having played in high-stakes moments, including winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos, he knows what it takes to perform when it matters most.
Learning Names and Celebrations
While McManus may have the kicking part down, he’s still figuring out the nuances of being a Packer. After nailing the game-winner, McManus ran straight toward the south end zone to attempt a Lambeau Leap. The only problem? He struggled to get up.
“I definitely need to work on my hops,” McManus joked after the game. “I don’t practice jumping that much anymore.” Fans in the front row helped the kicker up as he celebrated with them, completing the tradition—albeit with a little assistance.
Despite his leap falling short, McManus felt the special nature of playing for Green Bay, particularly at Lambeau Field. “Green Bay’s a special team,” he said. “That’s why I decided to do the Lambeau Leap. I grew up watching Brett Favre, and I think… was it Ryan Grant who started it?”
Actually, it was Hall of Fame safety LeRoy Butler who made the first Lambeau Leap. But McManus can be forgiven for not knowing every piece of Packers trivia just yet—he’s been with the team for less than a week.
Packers Pull Off the Win
The Packers found themselves down 22-21 with 1:44 left in the game when quarterback Jordan Love, who had an up-and-down day with three touchdowns and two interceptions, led a drive that set McManus up for the game-winner. Love’s performance was uneven, but his final drive gave the Packers a chance to win, and McManus took care of the rest.
The win wasn’t just about the offense, though. Green Bay’s defense shined as well, with four sacks and a relentless pass rush that kept Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud under 100 passing yards. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley received a game ball for his creative blitz packages that caused Stroud fits all afternoon.
McManus’ Clutch Credentials
McManus has a history of performing in the clutch, and Sunday’s game only added to his legacy. He now has a 9-of-15 record on “clutch” kicks—field goals in the last two minutes of regulation or overtime to either win or take the lead. His ability to deliver under pressure makes him an invaluable addition to a team that had struggled with kicking consistency this season.
The snap on his game-winner wasn’t perfect, but holder Daniel Whelan managed to get the ball down in time. “It was way lower than expected,” said long snapper Matt Orzech. “But Danny did a great job working with me, making me right when I wasn’t.”
The Packers are counting on McManus to bring some much-needed stability to their special teams, and so far, he’s delivered.
| Kicker | Team | Clutch Kicks (Made/Attempted) |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon McManus | Green Bay Packers | 9/15 |
| Justin Tucker | Baltimore Ravens | 16/18 |
| Harrison Butker | Kansas City Chiefs | 14/17 |
What’s Next for McManus?
The victory gave the Packers a critical win in their season, lifting them to 5-2. For McManus, the next steps are less about football and more about settling in with his new team.
“Guys worked their butts off all week, and a lot of them still don’t know my name,” McManus said, laughing. “I’m doing my best to learn everyone’s names. Honored to be here and help the team win.”
As for celebrating the win, McManus was a little uncertain. With no friends or family in town, his post-game plans were still up in the air. “My dad thought about coming, but he decided not to,” McManus said. “I’ll hang out with some of the teammates and stuff. Is there any good food places to go?”
Wherever he ends up, he probably won’t have to pay for dinner. After all, Green Bay loves a winner, and McManus has already earned his spot in the hearts of Packers fans.
